Comparing Vettel, who won four titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013, and Verstappen, he said: “Two very different drivers, two phenomenally successful drivers. What Sebastian has achieved puts him among the great and most successful drivers in the sport. But what we saw this year from Max, we witnessed something very special.
“I sometimes think his achievements don’t receive the plaudits they should because it was an absolutely outstanding performance from a driver who is very much at the top of his game.”
With Red Bull finishing 205 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, it has raised a question of whether Formula 1 is headed into an era of Red Bull dominance, like Mercedes did from 2014 to 2021.
“With new regulations, it’s always very important to hit it off well, and I think we did that,” Verstappen said. “Now, it’s all about trying to continue that and trying to find even more performance in the cars.
“Normally, over the years, it all comes together, the teams get a bit closer. Yes, we’ve had a good head start, but as a team, we’re never satisfied. We always want more. We want to do better, but we also depend on what the other teams find or improve on.”
Horner said it would be very difficult for Verstappen and Red Bull to dominate in 2023.
“Ferrari will make progress from this year, and, Mercedes developed their car hard,” he said.
“They brought a lot of development through the year, so they are going to make a step, and I think you will have a three-way battle next year.”